1. Distinguish Renal Cell Carcinoma from Other Kidney Cancers
Renal cell carcinoma is a form of cancer that starts in the kidneys. It is the most common form of kidney cancer, forming in the tubules (small tubes). Tumors that form in other parts of the kidney are different from renal cell carcinomas. In its early stages, this type of cancer doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms.
2. Physical Symptoms Point to Advanced Renal Cancer
By the time you see blood in the urine, feel pain in your side that will not go away or notice a strange lump in your side or belly, the cancer has probably progressed to a later stage. However, there may be another explanation for these symptoms, so a trip to the doctor is always a good idea. Only about 10 percent of people diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma experience these three classic symptoms, and many never experience any symptoms at all. Visit your doctor as soon as possible, as early detection leads to increased success with treatment. When caught early, the cancer can be cured in about half the time as more advanced cases. Like other forms of cancer, once it has spread to other organs, a cure is less likely.
3. When a CT Scan Finds Renal Cell Carcinoma
You may be diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma when having tests for a totally unrelated ailment. About 53 percent of people diagnosed report never having a single symptom. If you've recently had a CT Scan, MRI or X-ray that has shown a growth in your kidney, you will begin tests to identify the mass. You may have a simple renal adenoma, which is a benign tumor that shows up during imaging tests. Since it's sometimes hard to determine whether the tumor is benign or not, adenomas are often treated the same as malignant tumors.
4. Schedule a Biopsy
Visit a surgeon, radiologist or oncologist to have a biopsy performed. More imaging work will also show the development of the tumor and identify the type of kidney cancer. After several sets of X-rays, ultrasounds and various computer scans, you will be given a diagnosis and a treatment path.
